Hot Apple Pie Shot with Everclear

The days are getting colder, perhaps it’s time to grab something that will warm your bones. If that’s what you’ve been thinking, then let me introduce you to the Hot Apple Pie Shot. This drink will remind you of the homemade pie your grandmother used to make, while delivering a powerful kick of Everclear. This drink is different from many others; the preparation goes on in the kitchen instead of behind the bar.

Hot Apple Pie

½ gallon apple juice

½ gallon apple cider

750 ml Everclear

One package cinnamon sticks

Begin by pouring the apple cider and apple juice into a large pot. Bring this to a slow boil, along with the cinnamon sticks. Turn the heat down, and let this mixture evaporate for at least an hour. About half of the liquid should dissipate. Let the apple cider mixture cool for a while, and when the liquid is cool enough to drink, add Everclear to taste. You can go fairly heavy on the alcohol, because the spiced apple will cover it up. You can vary the amount of Everclear you add, but wait until the end to see how much apple mixture you have left.

A half-gallon of apple juice is the same as 64 fluid ounces, and you can pick up a package of cinnamon sticks for less than a dollar in the Hispanic section of your grocery store.

The Hot Apple Pie Shot takes a bit longer to prepare than your typical cocktail: one hour to boil down the apple mixture, two hours if you count the cool down time. I can attest that every moment is worth it in the end. The Hot Apple Pie Shot tastes just like a homemade apple pie fresh from the oven. You can barely taste the Everclear over the condensed mulled apple cider, but believe me, it’s in there. The alcohol will sneak up on you and before you know it, you’re wasted.

About the author

Jöhn is one of the members of the modern day FNDC . In addition to coding and providing content for the site, he also enjoys playing the guitar and watching trippy movies. His favorite mixed drinks are whiskey sours and Jägerbombs. His favorite beers are Blackhawk Stout, Old Rasputin, and Sierra Nevada.

Made three (3) 32oz bottles- two to friends, one to age in cupboard.
We used Ikea “EZ-Cap” 32oz bottles (4$/ea), and for decoration, we added wire ribbon “lipstick” – the pattern of classic picnic red/white cloth, and a product description tag attached with thin twine. They came out VERY nice.

Due to the bottles being so large, I might put them in 1/2 pint (8oz) mason jars instead next time, and have many smaller gifts instead of a few large ones. We’ll cover the tops (before putting on the ring) with the same picnic-color fabric.

I’ve been making this midwest favorite for years at Christmas time. My friends in Southern California absolutely love this drink at holiday time. I first had this when living in the Midwest, and it’s been a favorite for years! The only thing not listed is the brown sugar…which I always boil with the apple cider and apple juice. Also, the Everclear in California has less alcohol in it than the Midwest bottles. But, it’s still a very popular drink, and I’m doubling my production this Christmas due to so many requests from friends.

Thanks for sharing your story. You’re right, the California Everclear is not as strong as the Everclear found in other parts of the country. I love your idea of adding brown sugar! I will have to try that one next time. Have great Christmas!